Coding Ahead
CasePilot
Medical Coding Assistant
Case2Code
Search and Code Lookup Tool
CareerCenter
Medical Coding Job Board
Log in Register free account

Need help choosing the right code?

Ask CasePilot about procedures, modifiers, bundling, and coding guidance.

Try CasePilot

Official Description

Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy, each 30 days

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

A remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) device is utilized to facilitate the tracking of a patient's adherence to prescribed cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and to assess their treatment response. While RTM is commonly associated with monitoring conditions related to the musculoskeletal and respiratory systems, it can also be effectively employed by physicians or qualified healthcare professionals to oversee a patient's compliance and progress with a cognitive behavioral therapy program. This program is designed to complement other outpatient treatments. Cognitive behavioral therapy is often indicated for various mental health conditions, including but not limited to drug or alcohol abuse, depression, anxiety, eating disorders, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and insomnia. Upon completion of an in-person visit, the patient is provided with the RTM device along with training on its usage. This device enables online, computer-based cognitive behavioral therapy, allowing for the transmission of the patient's data back to the therapy practice. Regular remote meetings between the therapist and the patient are scheduled to discuss the patient's progress, feelings, and to offer support for ongoing in-person therapy sessions. The data collected through the RTM device is instrumental in helping clinicians tailor treatment strategies effectively. The CPT® Code 98978 specifically reports the costs associated with supplying the device, as well as the regular recording and alert data transmissions that occur over a 30-day period.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM) device is indicated for use in tracking patient adherence to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and assessing treatment response. The following conditions may warrant the use of cognitive behavioral therapy, which the RTM device supports:

  • Drug or Alcohol Abuse - Monitoring compliance and progress in patients undergoing therapy for substance use disorders.
  • Depression - Assisting in the management and treatment of depressive disorders through regular monitoring.
  • Anxiety - Supporting patients with anxiety disorders by tracking their therapy adherence and response.
  • Eating Disorders - Facilitating the treatment of various eating disorders through ongoing monitoring and support.
  • Phobias - Helping patients manage and overcome phobias with structured therapy and monitoring.
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder - Aiding in the treatment of OCD by tracking patient progress and adherence to therapy.
  • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder - Supporting the treatment of PTSD through regular monitoring of therapy adherence.
  • Other Mental Health Diagnoses - Providing support for a range of other mental health conditions that may benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy.
  • Insomnia - Assisting in the management of insomnia through cognitive behavioral interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for utilizing the remote therapeutic monitoring device involves several key steps that ensure effective tracking and support for the patient’s cognitive behavioral therapy. Each step is crucial for the successful implementation of the RTM process:

  • Step 1: Device Provision - After an initial visit with the healthcare provider, the patient is supplied with the RTM device. This device is essential for monitoring therapy adherence and response over time.
  • Step 2: Training - The patient receives comprehensive training on how to use the RTM device effectively. This training is critical to ensure that the patient understands how to operate the device and transmit data accurately.
  • Step 3: Data Transmission - The RTM device collects data related to the patient’s therapy adherence and response. This data is transmitted back to the therapy practice, allowing the clinician to monitor the patient’s progress remotely.
  • Step 4: Regular Remote Meetings - The therapist schedules regular remote meetings with the patient to discuss their progress, feelings, and any challenges they may be facing. These meetings provide an opportunity for ongoing support and adjustment of the therapy as needed.
  • Step 5: Data Analysis - The clinician reviews the transmitted data to assess the patient’s adherence to therapy and response to treatment. This analysis helps in tailoring the therapy to better meet the patient’s needs.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care involves continued monitoring of the patient’s progress through the RTM device. The patient is expected to maintain regular communication with their therapist during scheduled remote meetings. This ongoing interaction is vital for addressing any issues that may arise and for providing support as the patient continues their cognitive behavioral therapy. The clinician will utilize the data collected to make informed decisions regarding the patient's treatment plan, ensuring that it remains effective and responsive to the patient's needs. Additionally, the patient may receive further instructions on the use of the device and any necessary adjustments to their therapy based on the data received.

Short Descr REM THER MNTR DEV SPLY CBT
Medium Descr REM THER MNTR DEV SPLY DATA COG BHV THER EA 30 D
Long Descr Remote therapeutic monitoring (eg, therapy adherence, therapy response, digital therapeutic intervention); device(s) supply for data access or data transmissions to support monitoring of cognitive behavioral therapy, each 30 days
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service Code
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator STV-Packaged Codes
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE 1
25 Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59.
GO Services delivered under an outpatient occupational therapy plan of care
GT Via interactive audio and video telecommunication systems
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
KX Requirements specified in the medical policy have been met
XS Separate structure, a service that is distinct because it was performed on a separate organ/structure
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Changed Medium and LongDescriptions changed.
2023-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
CasePilot

Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.

Ask about:
CPT Codes Guidelines Modifiers Crosswalks NCCI Edits Compliance Medicare Coverage
Example: "What is CPT code 99213?" or "Guidelines for E/M services"